Anyone here do agility ?

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ljpinkhorse

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As Poppy is getting pretty good at jumping over broomsticks in the garden ( Classy eh ?
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) we've decided to go along to a local agility class this sunday
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. Has anyone got any tips for her ? ( and me :P) . Also , what is the usual sort of 'format' for a class ? Does one person go round the course while the others watch or do different people practise diferent obsticals at the same time ?
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Agility classes really vary depending on the experience of the people running them. A decent agility class should have a beginner's section aside from all the other dogs, where new dogs are introduced to the obstacles. The trainer should explain what method he/she is going to use and the experience should be fun and non-scary for the dogs. To start off you shouldn't expect more that going over a small jump on the lead. Take a treats or a toy with you as a reward for getting it right.

Beware of clubs that want you to do too much, too quickly. Getting round an agility course is quite a demanding task, the dog needs to understand basic commands before starting and has to be shown how to learn new things not simply pulled over obstacles e.g. if a dog learns to miss some weaving polls as and when it wants it can be really tough to re-learn how to do it properly. Also, beware of some of the obstracles as they are quite advanced and need a bit more experienced dog, e.g the sea-saw has to be introduced very carefully, controlling the drop (for some dogs this phase goes on for a long time) otherwise dogs can get a real fright.

Having said all that, it's great fun so enjoy!!
 
Im couldn't have put it better myself booboos. Lucy_poppy please read carefully what she said.
I go to a fabulous club where the dogs welfare and safety are paramount and I would'nt have it any other way.
There should be a beginners class for you. Don't expect too much at first-you will gradually build up as the dog progresses.
Basic control and the dog's attention on you are key things and your body language is absolutely crucial.
The dogs learn to follow your body movements and directions.
It is such fun though. Can't wait to hear how you get on.
 
Thanks everyone
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I cant wait till Sunday !
she has done a *tiny* bit of agility before - a couple of goes on a steeplechase course at a show and she confidently jumps up to 2foot in our garden ( shes a JRT) . Will put some pics up as soon as my dad brings back my digital camera
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Will keep you all informed on how it goes !
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If she is a JRT, depending on how big she is, she will only have to do the smaller heights anyway. Great post from Booboos, covered everything, nothing to add except enjoy yourself on Sunday
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Booboos post pretty much covered it
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Take toys and treats and reward everything, no matter how small it seems.
Some clubs will try to get you on all the equipment as quickly as possible as they think this shows progress, I think it is much more important to understand the basics and complete the foundations needed for agility than be able to "kind of" do all the equipment.
If your dog has the ability to understand your body language rules from the outset you will find everything so much easier as more equipment/courses etc are introduced.

Don't expect everything to go right all the time! Just as they learn something - they will probably forget how to do something else! Or so it will seem! Mine still do this!

Enjoy yourself!

I'm off to Wales this weekend competing with mine so you might want to start saving up for the van/petrol/caravan/competition entries/extra dogs!!! lol

Hope you and your dog have fun
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Let us know how it goes
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We started with an estate car and expanded to the large van, caravan etc. Always had several dogs though, but added children into the mix. I used to love the weekend shows, it was a great social scene
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I'm the same but with my Flyball. we are away most weekends in the caravan at a tournament.The social element is fantastic (I can have a drinkies or 2 'cos I haven't got to drive anywhere
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be careful--you will become addicted.
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Yeh I miss it sometimes. Unfortunately ex hubby took the social side of it a little far and went off with another competitor
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Kind of lost its appeal after that.
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Basic list of things that you should take:
Soft treats, like cheese
Water and bowl for dog
A few toys, e.g a ball and a tug toy
A collar and lead, and a harness if she's got one

And make sure you wear trainers with grippy soles, and take a drink because you will get tired

Be warned, agility is addictive!

A few tips, make sure you reward everything that she does correctly so she learns what is right and wrong, and enjoy yourself!
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Thanks
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I was thinking about chopped up raw carrot for treats but thinking about it I wouldnt want her to choke ! lol. so will probs just take some cheese , as suggested or ham ( she will do anything for a bit of ham
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Ohhhhhh I cant wait to get to the shows
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. Theres a very local show to me early september so I'm hoping we will be able to do that .
Does anyone have agility stuff at home to practise with ? I have been looking on the internet but it is all very expensive
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I go to dog training every Sunday morning. It's divided into obediance and agility.

For about 45 minutes we practise obediance under the guidance of an instructor. This includes walking to heel, left and right turns (essential for when you do agility so the dog knows where to go!), stay, wait, socialisation techniques such as weaving in and out of other dogs etc.

Then we have a little break for a drink and chat, then it's on to the agility (the best bit!). The course consists of jumps, a tunnel, a 'dog walk' which is like a wall that they go up, across, and then down, a see-saw and weaves. We queue up (there are usually about 8 in a group) and once the person in front is half way along the course it's your turn.

It's great fun, hope that helps
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